Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has evolved into a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of its growing strands. When taken from near the scalp, it can reveal up to a three-month period of alcohol and drug use. Hair collection is easy, tough to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
An optimal sample for screening and validation comprises a 1.5-inch sample close to the scalp, weighing 100mg, roughly equating to 200 hair strands or a #2 pencil's thickness. For EtG, add-on cases, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is ideal. It's advisable to measure the weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't present, an equivalent volume of body hair can be gathered. Head hair denotes scalp hair only, whereas body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
In laboratory processing, the key stages for drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the basic processing of a sample within the laboratory setting. This phase ensures the sample's seal and shipping integrity, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and manages additional data input absent from an electronic chain-of-custody framework.
Screening functions as an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. While cost-effective for dismissing drug use in many samples, any positive screen must be validated for court admissions. Presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a further confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is sourced from the specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration, making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology compared to urine or oral fluid tests.
Positive screening outcome confirmation is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Pre-confirmation washing is performed on presumptive positives as required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the focus is on analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Whitewater, MT
The advantages of hair testing over urine testing lie in its superior accuracy and dependability. No other method rivals the ability of hair tests to detect substances comprehensively, effectively providing a more accurate representation of one's drug use history.
Employers in Whitewater find this especially beneficial, offering compliance with zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Whitewater, MT
One standout benefit of hair follicle testing is its extended detection period, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days. This offers employers valuable insights into an individual’s longstanding substance habits, aiding informed decisions in hiring and continued employment evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Whitewater, MT
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering, ensuring reliability. Its resilience against adulteration makes it the preferred choice in environments where maintaining unquestionable integrity of results is essential, offering peace of mind to employers and professionals in Whitewater.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Whitewater, MT
Accredited Drug Testing offers easy access to its services with numerous nationwide centers, including those in Whitewater. This extensive network ensures quick and seamless access to tests, eliminating hurdles and making the process as smooth as possible for residents and businesses.
Simple, Confidential Process in Whitewater, MT
Our testing process is straightforward and respects confidentiality, from ordering to completion. Participants are assured their privacy is maintained, allowing them peace of mind throughout every stage, along with ease of use, exemplified in every aspect of the testing procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Whitewater, MT
Our competitive pricing structures combined with quick turnaround times offer exceptional value for companies regardless of size. This balance of cost-effectiveness and expedited service delivers peace of mind alongside budget-friendly solutions, crucial for many Whitewater businesses.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Whitewater, MT
Hair follicle drug tests are synonymous with precision and speed, delivering highly accurate results in substance detection. Offering fast results, these tests ensure no stone is left unturned when confirming substance use, providing Whitewater residents with the reliable testing method they need.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Whitewater, MT
For employers, hair follicle testing is a key player in enforcing drug-free workplace policies. It minimizes legal exposure and enhances workplace safety by accurately reflecting employees' compliance with substance use protocols, thus reinforcing a trustworthy and secure work environment.
